10 Exotic Animals So Rare, You’ve Probably Never Heard of Them

Okapi (Okapia johnstoni): Often referred to as the "forest giraffe" or "zebra giraffe," the okapi is native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Saola: Also known as the "Asian unicorn," the saola is a critically endangered species of antelope-like mammal found in the Annamite Range of Vietnam and Laos.

Glaucus atlanticus: Also called the "blue dragon" or "sea swallow," Glaucus atlanticus is a species of small, brightly colored sea slug found in tropical and temperate oceans.

Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris): The Irrawaddy dolphin is a species of dolphin found in coastal areas and rivers throughout Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal.

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum): Native to Mexico, the axolotl is a type of salamander known for its unique ability to regenerate lost body parts, including limbs, organs.

Aye-Aye: Found only on the island of Madagascar, the aye-aye is a rare and unusual-looking primate known for its long, thin middle finger.

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens): The red panda is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.

Japanese Giant Salamander: The Japanese giant salamander is one of the largest amphibians in the world, reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters.

Sunda Colugo: Also known as the Sunda flying lemur, the Sunda colugo is a species of gliding mammal found in Southeast Asia.

Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex): The shoebill is a large, prehistoric-looking bird found in tropical East Africa, particularly in the swamps and marshes of Sudan.

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